As markets tumble out of control you may be wondering, what can I do to turn the tide?

If my experience in customer service here at PrintingForLess.com has taught me anything it is that referrals are the life-blood of small to medium businesses. As much as 40% of our own new customers are a product of a referral. This is the way to success for small to medium businesses and a step toward climbing out of the economic downturn.

John Jantsch, of Duct Tape Marketing, has come up with an immense idea that will allow individuals and small business owners around the country to take the matter of economic stimulus into their own hands.

The idea is Make a Referral Week: A Small Business Stimulus Program. It is a simple yet brilliant idea focused on driving referrals to small businesses around the country. This event will take place March 9-13, 2009 and has a goal of 1000 referred leads to 1000 small businesses. This virtual event will also feature daily education programs provided by a variety of marketing experts. Individuals are encouraged to make at least one referral during the week and then record the details of the referral on http://www.makeareferralweek.com/.

You can click on the image below to find out more about referral week and to make your pledge to participate.

I am excited to participate in this event and thrilled about a week devoted to supporting the back-bone of the American economy, small-businesses. We can make a difference.